Wallace Marshall House

This house is about living at the beach. Sited on the hillside across the road from Tahunanui Beach it is comprised of 3 separate elements - a lower level self contained space for older children and guests, an open plan living area opening on to a large deck above the lower level, and a bedroom wing. The entry and stairway link the 3 elements and provide an entry journey, reminiscent of clambering up between rocks, to a viewing platform above.

“With it’s fantastic view of the beach, bay and beyond, adds to the sense of informality typical of life at the bach.”

A kink in the plan creates a tension between the dominant single pitched living area and the lower slung bedroom wing. The consequent off square deck, with it’s fantastic view of the beach, bay and beyond, adds to the sense of informality typical of life at the bach.

The house is designed to maximise winter solar gain with high levels of insulation while deep overhangs control summer sun. Dark stained weatherboards and generous openings carry the bach theme through from concept to detail.